Minister announces details on RuralEXPO 2003

Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote today announced further details on RuralEXPO 2003 following consultations with rural and community stakeholders. The event has been scheduled for September 25-27 and will be held in Gander.

"Consultations across the province for the Jobs and Growth Renewal Strategy encouraged government to be more active in promoting economic opportunities available in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Foote. "RuralEXPO 2001 was a response to that challenge and represented the first ever province-wide forum and exhibition focused exclusively on rural Newfoundland and Labrador. This year�s event will build on the success of RuralEXPO 2001. It will continue to foster confidence in the people of our province, promote the potential that exists in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and highlight accomplishments of our people."

Over 500 people participated in RuralEXPO 2001 over the three-day event, including105 youth delegates throughout the province. More than 250 delegates registered for seminars, workshops and presentations that focused on innovative approaches, best practices and success stories in community economic development and small business development in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. As well, 2,500 people toured the rural business exhibition.

"RuralEXPO 2003 will bring together the best of rural Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and communities, and will be an event for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to experience," said Minister Foote. "We look forward to another successful event that will continue to build confidence in our province and assist in moving the economy forward."

The major components of RuralEXPO 2003 will be:

• The third annual Community Economic Development Awards ceremony and gala banquet to honour outstanding individuals and organizations that contribute to community economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• A conference program that will focus on approaches and practices for community and business development that work best in rural Newfoundland and Labrador;
• A Rural Business Exhibition that will showcase successful rural businesses and community economic development organizations from around the province; and,
• A Youth Forum to provide an avenue for young people to be heard and to provide suggestions on the future direction of the province.

RuralEXPO 2003 events will be held at Hotel Gander and the Gander Community Centre. Planning for the event is being led by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, in partnership with representatives of Regional Economic Development Boards, Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Youth (FINALY), the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations.

A full schedule of events will be available in the coming weeks. A RuralEXPO 2003 Web site is also being developed to provide full details as they become available and to provide on-line delegate and exhibitor registration. For more information on RuralEXPO 2003, contact Larry Weatherbie, RuralEXPO 2003 Event Manager, at (709) 729-3760.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570

2003 05 27                                       4:05 p.m.